Dear Pearl,

Even Melba had trouble with the champagne they served last night at Mrs Highbottom's charity dinner.  The rumor is that it wasn't champagne at all but very very inexpensive vodka with a splash of soda (for the bubbles).  Really, it left a bad taste in one's mouth for the whole business of Saving the Whales. . .I think that was the charity.  Maybe is was Save the Males.  I can't remember.  The "champagne" is to blame for my lapse no doubt.  Please write soon,

I Remain As Always, Your Devoted Miss Blue